Eight domains of action in Resolution A/53/243(UN Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace)*Culture of peace through education*Sustainable economic and social development*Respect for all human rights*Equality between women and men*Democratic participation*Understanding, tolerance and solidarity*Free flow of information and knowledge*International peace and security

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Posted: April 15 2005,19:43

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PROGRESS: Has your organization seen progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade?

In terms of domestic violence there has been some campaigns. In terms of crime we have embarked on community programmes that give some hope.

Given that this is work in progress measurement will take some time. There are no other levels of violence existing in Barbados.

Indicators:Drop in percentage of reports of domesticDrop in percentage of reports of violent crimes against the personAmount of empowerment programmes to create employmentDiversity of rehabilitation programmes in our penal institutions

OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?

First is that Civil Society organisations lack the capacity to do more. They lack the skills to access funding. They are highly dependent on volunteerism. They own very little investments and hence are not able to cope with the rise in demand for their services.

Assessing the value of the contribution of Civil Society Organisations is also a major factor. While it seems popular to talk about the usefulness of Civil Society, without a value attached to "usefulness" it will simply remain talk

ACTIONS: What actions have been undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?

This organisation is a Focal Point for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Barbados. We are mandated to facilitate the work of CSOs in Barbados and this includes helping them to access resources for their projects.

We have supported the work of CBOs; helping them with community programmes of a developmental nature. These include training in enterprise, making start up funding available to youth businesses

We have given support for the training of Justices of the Peace to be more effective as arbitrators and they are about to embark on courses in conflict resolution.

We promote the inclusion and participation of CSOs in national decision making and policy making. Civil Society was also represented on the Law and Order Commission and was consulted islandwide. The report of this Commission is being implemented as a means of reducing crime and violence in the society.

ADVICE: What advice would you like to give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade?

Make resources available and assist with accessing resources that would empower Civil Society to do more in terms of addressing poverty.

Encourage Good Governance, i.e. the participation of Civil Society in national policy and decision making bodies of Government so that service delivery is relevant and appropriate.

PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the global movement for a culture of peace?

Several partnerships on environmentHousingPoverty AlleviationAddressing problems with disabilitiesRegional issues with CARICOMNetwork of national organisation across the CARICOM regionNetwork of local organisations islandwide

PLANS: What new engagements are planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)?

Governance; moving towards a national NGO Forum and National Civil Society Council by July 2005 that will improve partnerships with Government and allow Civil Society in Barbados and across the 15 CARICOM states to inform policy and decision makers.

Developing a youth arm of BANGO to address problems existing among the youth and provide meaningful activity including training in such areas as self-development, life skills, skills for employment, etc.